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Water quality in U.S. rivers has shown improvements in some areas but degradation in others over the past few decades. Factors influencing these changes include stricter environmental regulations, pollution control efforts, and land-use practices.
Major factors in water quality change include industrial and agricultural runoff, discharge of untreated sewage, and urban development. In wealthy nations, water pollution is often due to industrial discharges and urban runoff, which may include chemicals, heavy metals, and other harmful substances. In poorer nations, water pollution is often caused by inadequate sanitation, lack of wastewater treatment, and agricultural runoff, leading to waterborne diseases and contamination.
